Tango Workshops with
Sydney Grant
Portland, OR - March 19 - 23, 2026
Organizer: Josh Castillo
Stay tuned for details.
Save the date
March 19 -23, 2026
To register, schedule a private lesson, or for more information please email Josh Castillo at joshua@castillowellness.com
Sidney Grant — Tango Dancer & Instructor
Sidney Grant’s career spans ballroom, Latin and Argentine tango. He has earned a reputation for both technical skill and advocacy for more inclusive, open-role tango.
Background & Experience
Originally trained in ballroom dancing, Grant has over two decades of experience teaching and performing partner dances.
His path towards Argentine tango began about 15 years ago; a transformative experience seeing a tango show convinced him to commit to the dance.
He is known professionally also as “Dr. Dance,” reflecting a broader dance background and his versatility as an instructor across styles.
Achievements & Distinctions
Sidney Grant was the first openly gay man and North American to win the U.S. Argentine Tango Championship — an important milestone both for his career and for representation in the tango community.
He is recognized for bringing tango to diverse communities. Through his program Ballroom Basix, Grant has taught partner dancing (including tango) to tens of thousands of schoolchildren across New York City public schools — spreading dance, connection, and joy to new audiences.
Teaching & Philosophy
- He champions inclusive and open-role tango: in his workshops and classes he encourages dancers to choose the role they feel comfortable with, regardless of gender. This approach reflects his belief that tango should transcend traditional gender roles and embrace all who love the dance.
For Grant, tango is more than choreography — it’s connection, expression, and community. He often speaks about how tango can dissolve boundaries and create intimacy beyond dance.
Performance & Community Role
Grant frequently performs and teaches in New York and beyond. He and Claudio Marcelo Vidal have served as instructors for events such as the NY Queer Tango Weekend — showcasing tango with open roles, and celebrating diversity in the tango world.
About Sydney Grant
Sidney Grant (“Dr. Dance”) is a New York–based tango champion, performer, and instructor known for his advocacy of inclusive, open-role tango. The first openly gay and first North American winner of the U.S. Argentine Tango Championship, he teaches and performs internationally with Claudio Marcelo Vidal. Founder of Ballroom Basix, Sidney brings skill, artistry, and heart to every class he teaches.
$35 for each class – $150 for all 5 classes
Pre-registration price $130 until 3/13
To Pre-Register or Book Private Lesson
Text 469.514.4966 or email: SidneyGrantPDX@gmail.com
Schedule of classes
March 20 - 22, 2026
Workshop 1: WHAT A DRAG!
Friday, 3/20 5:30-6:30pm @ Berretin
“Barridas” (“Drags”) are an amazing addition to your dance vocabulary. Enjoy exploring creative ways to integrate them into different tango combinations!
Workshop 2: RYE, WHITE or WHEAT?
Saturday, 3/21 2:00-3:30pm @ Berretin
There are more variations to Sandwiches (“Sandwichitos”) than you might think. Enjoy learning some creative, musical content that will dress up you ‘sandwichitos” in a way that can’t be matched at a milonga by mere mustard or mayo!
Workshop 3: ENJOY THE FLOORPLAY!
Saturday, 3/21 3:45-5:15pm @ Berretin
Enhance the subtlety & playfulness of your tango! Explore economy of movement in some of Sid’s favorite themes: on-axis cruzadas, triangulation, paradas, adornos, and castigadas (displacements), danced with pause & poise!!
$35 for each class – $150 for all 5 classes | Pre-registration price $130 until 3/1
Location
Tango Berretin
6305 SE Foster Rd.
Portland, OR 97206
Workshop 4: SCREW THIS!
Sunday, 3/22 12:00-1:30pm @ Dance with joy
Have you ever learned “Sacacorchos” (“Corkscrews”)?These are very fun, unwinding moves that add a playful dimension to your tango repertoire. We will also explore circular walking for both lead/follow around he partner!
Workshop 5: Happy Endings!
Sunday, 3/22 4:30-6:00pm @ Dance with joy
It’s Sid’s last workshop of the weekend, so you deserve a “Happy Ending” (lol!) but so does your tango, vals & milonga!!!So come join us for this final class full of fun-filled final poses. It’s Sid’s last workshop of the weekend, so you deserve a “Happy Ending” (lol!) but so does your tango, vals & milonga!!!So come join us for this final class full of fun-filled final poses.
Location
Dance with Joy
8051 SE 16th Ave
Portland, OR 97202